The selkirk rex is a fairly recent breed, created in 1987 in the United States.

A cat with a curly coat found in the state of Wyoming was entrusted to a reputable breeder of Persians who crossed her with them to obtain pups with long hair and curly undercoat which give this breed an air of little sheep.

The breed then had contributions from Exotic Shorthair, American Shorthair and British Shorthair.

The name selkirk rex refers to other rexes, all of which have curly coats, and presumably to the Selkirk Mountains, near which the breed originated.

The body of the selkirk rex is rectangular and very muscular.

Shoulders and hips are slightly rounded.

The boning is strong but the lines of the body are soft.

The tail, thick at the base, measures about two-thirds of the body.

The head is round, fairly wide and has rounded contours.

The nose is short but broad.

The eyes, large and wide open, are rounded.

The ears are medium in size and wide at their base.

There are two varieties of selkirk rex.

The short-haired variety bears dense ringlets on the neck, throat and belly.

The mid- to long-haired variety is very curly and features a longer ruff.

All colors and patterns are accepted within the standard.


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Good to know

This cat is considered balanced and relaxed, a quality that it owes to the British Shorthair, known for its phlegm.

Sweet, patient and friendly, he likes the presence of children, his congeners and other animals, but is more reserved towards strangers.

He can be playful but especially appreciates calm and tranquility, as well as the caresses of his family.

This cat is not difficult and can thrive in a house with a garden where it can hunt, as well as in an apartment in the city.

The main thing is to take care of him and not to leave him alone for too long, because he doesn't like being alone.

This recent breed seems solid but affected by hereditary diseases to watch out for.

One brush stroke a week is enough for him, whether he has short or long hair.


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